Is Your Cover Letter Fast Food or Five Star?

If youíve been job hunting for some time now, you probably have come to the realization that itís a jungle out there. Itís a jungle with lots of job seekers vying for the exact positions that you are seeking. You have the experience, education and achievements that warrant an interviewÖ but youíre not getting any. Whatís going on?

Much to your chagrin, and no matter how much you protest, the culprit could be you Ė not the employer. Well, not you personally but how youíve represented yourself. Did you throw your cover letter together thoughtlessly, change the company and title and call it a day? I was afraid of that. Each customer has its own requirements. Think of your resume package as a four-course meal.

Give them exactly what they want

Being a hiring manager is not an easy job. They have to sift through many resume packages from job seekers who donít meet the specified requirements and have no skills they need to fill the open position. Itís a frustrating job and it can get them a little on edge.

Knowing that, just give them what they want! Donít beat around the bush or wait until the interview (that you think is coming) to enlighten them about how perfect you are for the job; now is the time to do it.

Prove youíre worth the price

With fancy restaurants, they have to demonstrate that they are actually worth a lot more than the burger joint down the road. When it comes to job seekers, you have to prove your worth to the company. Thatís when it pays (possibly literally) to provide achievements with qualifiers. Include dollar amounts, percentages anything that will signify how outstanding that accomplishment was and the impact it had on the company. Because, as we all know, itís all about the bottom line.

Donít make the employer work

Employers donít have time to hunt for your qualifications or contact information or even what position you are applying for within their company. Make it easy for them. Point out the qualifications you have that match Ė or surpass Ė their expectations. Be specific. Make your contact information obvious but not obtrusive. Include the exact position for which you applying. If you are indeed qualified then by doing all this, youíre making it very difficult not to call you in for an interview.

Theyíre not the same as the employer down the road

Demonstrate your knowledge of the company. Show that you care and actually did your homework. By providing a couple of little references to current (or past) events within the company, youíll be proving to them your desire to work for them. Itís relatively easy to sneak these in on your cover letter without seeming too obvious. For example, explain how your background and expertise would fit perfectly with the new CEOís vision.

Remember, when it comes to your resume package, you really do only have one chance to make a good impression. Judgment on whether youíre a good or bad fit for a position happens so quickly that if you donít have everything exactly how they want it, youíll be waiting a very long time for that phone call.

- Heather Eagar

Recognized as a leading expert in the employment search industry, Heather Eagar is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. Check out reviews of the top resume writing services in the industry at www.ResumeLines.com